In today’s National Basketball Association, contracts are often massive and headline-grabbing, with superstar deals reaching well over $50 million per season. However, not every impactful player commands that level of financial recognition. Across the league, several athletes consistently outperform the value of their contracts, providing teams with elite production, versatility, and winning contributions at relatively modest salaries. Identifying these players has become increasingly important in the modern NBA, where salary cap flexibility and roster depth can be the difference between a playoff run and a championship.
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A recent list compiled by EssentiallySports highlights ten players who stand out as some of the most underpaid talents in the league today. While they may not all be household superstars, each of these players plays a crucial role for their respective teams. From sharpshooters who stretch defenses to defensive specialists who lock down opposing stars, these athletes deliver production that often exceeds their pay grade.
Players such as Deni Avdija and Payton Pritchard exemplify how skill development and consistent performance can make a contract look like a bargain. Meanwhile, reliable contributors like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Isaiah Joe continue to prove that value in the NBA isn’t always measured strictly by salary. In a league where efficient roster construction is vital, these players represent incredible returns on investment for their franchises.
As the NBA continues to evolve with rising salary caps and growing emphasis on versatile skill sets, identifying underpaid players offers insight into how teams maximize value and remain competitive.
1. Deni Avdija
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) waives to the crowd before a game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $14.3M
Avdija has quietly developed into one of the most versatile two-way forwards in the league. His combination of rebounding, playmaking, and defensive versatility allows him to impact games even when he isn’t scoring heavily. Players who can defend multiple positions while initiating offense are extremely valuable in the modern NBA. Considering his production and role expansion, a $14.3M salary is a bargain compared with similar forwards earning significantly more.
2. Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $7.2M
Pritchard has become one of the league’s most reliable bench guards and a major spark for the Boston Celtics. His shooting range stretches defenses, and he consistently delivers energy and clutch shot-making when inserted into games. Guards who can score efficiently and run an offense off the bench often command far larger contracts. At just over $7M, his deal provides tremendous value for a championship contender.
3. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) drive for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $15.1M
Alexander-Walker has evolved into a high-level defensive guard who also provides steady offensive production. With the Atlanta Hawks (as shown in the image), he brings perimeter defense, ball movement, and timely scoring. Guards who can defend top perimeter threats while contributing offensively are extremely difficult to find. His all-around impact makes $15M look modest compared with other two-way guards around the league.
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4. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) makes a move agains Utah Jazz guard John Konchar (55) during the second half at Delta Center. Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $2.3M
Hardaway Jr. has long been known as a microwave scorer capable of changing a game with his three-point shooting. For the Denver Nuggets, his ability to space the floor around star players is particularly valuable. Veteran shooters with playoff experience rarely come this cheap in today’s NBA economy. At just $2.3M, he represents one of the best low-cost scoring options in the league.
5. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts after a Miami Heat score during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $8.4M
Oubre Jr. brings athleticism, scoring bursts, and strong wing defense to the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s capable of guarding multiple positions while providing 15–20 points on any given night. Two-way wings with that level of physicality and scoring ability usually command far larger contracts. His salary makes him one of the better value wings relative to his production.
6. Sam Hauser
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $10M
Hauser has developed into one of the league’s most efficient three-point specialists with the Boston Celtics. His off-ball movement and elite shooting percentages force defenses to stretch, creating space for star teammates. High-volume shooters who consistently hit at elite efficiency are incredibly valuable in modern offenses. Given his impact on spacing and winning, $10M is relatively modest.
7. Ty Jerome
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (2) reacts with guard Javon Small (10) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $8.8M
Jerome has turned into a dependable playmaking guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. He controls tempo well, shoots efficiently, and rarely makes mistakes with the basketball. Backup point guards who can stabilize second units and occasionally start are highly prized across the league. Considering his efficiency and reliability, his sub-$9M salary offers strong value.
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8. Julian Champagnie
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) shoots in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Moody Center. Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $3M
Champagnie has carved out a role with the San Antonio Spurs as a productive young wing. He provides scoring, hustle, and improved perimeter shooting while fitting seamlessly into the team’s development timeline. Young rotation wings with upside often command higher salaries once they prove themselves. At just $3M, he’s a very low-risk, high-reward contributor.
9. Dillon Brooks
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Orlando Magic in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $21.1M
Brooks is one of the most physical perimeter defenders in the NBA and consistently takes on the toughest matchups. With the Phoenix Suns, his defensive intensity and competitive edge set the tone for the roster. Elite defensive stoppers who can also score double digits are extremely valuable in playoff settings. Given the rising cost of high-end wings, his salary can look like a bargain for the impact he brings.
10. Isaiah Joe
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
2025–26 Salary: $12.3M
Joe has emerged as one of the NBA’s most dangerous catch-and-shoot threats with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His quick release and deep shooting range make him a perfect fit alongside playmakers who draw defensive attention. Elite floor spacers dramatically improve offensive efficiency for their teams. Considering how valuable shooting is in today’s league, his salary is relatively team-friendly.
Conclusion
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) celebrates with teammates guard Payton Pritchard (11), and forward Oshae Brissett (12) during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
As the league continues to evolve, these underpaid standouts may soon see their value reflected in future deals. Until then, they remain some of the best bargains in basketball, proving that smart roster building often hinges on finding players who deliver far more than their paychecks suggest.
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